Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs is a comforting Italian favorite featuring juicy homemade meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This hearty dish comes together in just 50 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or relaxed family meals. With tender, flavorful meatballs and a savory sauce coating every strand of pasta, it’s a timeless recipe everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Comfort Food – A timeless Italian-American favorite.
• Juicy Homemade Meatballs – Tender and flavorful with simple ingredients.
• Rich Tomato Sauce – Perfectly complements the savory meat.
• Family-Friendly – A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep and leftovers.
• Balanced Meal – Protein, carbs, and satisfying flavors in one dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb ground beef (preferably 80/20) – Ensures juicy, tender meatballs.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind and keep meatballs soft.
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor.
• 1 egg, lightly beaten – Acts as a binder.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Provides aromatic depth.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Adds freshness.
• 1 tsp salt – Enhances flavor.
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – Adds mild heat.

For the Pasta

• 12 oz spaghetti – Classic pasta pairing.
• 2 cups tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought) – Rich base for the dish.
• 1 tbsp olive oil – Helps develop flavor in the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned.

Cook the Spaghetti
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

Simmer the Sauce
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add tomato sauce and bring to a gentle simmer. Add baked meatballs and cook for 5–10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Combine and Serve
Toss spaghetti with a bit of the sauce. Plate the pasta and top with meatballs and extra sauce. Garnish with additional parmesan and parsley if desired.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Don’t Overmix – Overworking the meat can make meatballs dense.
• Uniform Size – Keeps cooking time consistent.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Helps loosen sauce and improve texture.
• Extra Flavor – Use a mix of beef and pork for richer taste.
• Add Heat – Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for spice.
• Serve with Garlic Bread – Completes the meal beautifully.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Detailed Nutrition (Per Serving):

• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 840mg
• Potassium: 480mg
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Vitamin A: 400 IU
• Vitamin C: 10mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 4.5mg

Perfect Pairings

• Garlic bread
• Caesar salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of red wine or sparkling water

Ideal Occasions

• Weeknight family dinners
• Sunday comfort meals
• Casual dinner parties
• Meal prep for the week

Storage & Serving Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze meatballs and sauce for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water.
• Store pasta and sauce separately for best texture.

Creative Variations to Try

• Beef & Pork Blend – Adds extra richness.
• Turkey Meatballs – Leaner alternative.
• Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs – Add mozzarella in the center.
• Herb Boost – Add basil and oregano to the meat mixture.
• Creamy Twist – Stir a splash of cream into the tomato sauce.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Meatballs falling apart – Ensure enough egg and breadcrumbs are used.
• Dry meatballs – Avoid overbaking and use 80/20 beef.
• Watery sauce – Simmer longer to reduce.
• Pasta sticking – Stir during cooking and use enough salted water.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of breadcrumbs and egg locks in moisture, keeping the meatballs tender while baking ensures even cooking without excess grease. Simmering the baked meatballs in tomato sauce enhances flavor as they absorb the rich, savory base. Cooking spaghetti al dente allows it to finish absorbing sauce without becoming mushy, resulting in a perfectly balanced, comforting dish.

Final Thoughts

Classic Spaghetti and Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food—simple, hearty, and full of rich Italian flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this satisfying meal brings warmth and tradition to the table every time.